Vintage Rail Journeys: Bathurst Race'n Rail

Highlights

3 nights onboard the Southern Aurora with breakfasts and gourmet dinners included

Reserved Bathurst 1000 Grandstand seat with return transfers from the station

Enjoy all-inclusive drinks onboard—wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic options

4 days

From

AUD 5,450

per person, twin share

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Travelling with kids? Read more

All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on the Golden West adventure, a five-day rail journey blending scenic landscapes and curated experiences. Begin with a Hawkesbury River cruise, followed by Hunter Valley vineyard tours with dining or helicopter options. Explore Werris Creek’s railway heritage and continue through scenic freight-only lines. Visit Bathurst’s Abercrombie House or Mayfield Gardens. Conclude with Mudgee’s organic winery and a return to Sydney, experiencing the charm and diversity of New South Wales along the way.

Inclusions

3 nights private ensuite accommodation onboard the train in a Heritage Twin Cabin

All-inclusive dining with a selection of wines and beverages

Hospitality Attendant available to assist you, answer your questions, or prepare a comforting cup of tea or coffee

Reserved Grandstand seat at the Bathurst 1000

Itinerary

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Day 1 Sydney Bathurst

Your Bathurst Race’n Rail adventure starts at Sydney’s Central where you will check in at midday and greeted with welcome drink. Once onboard the Aurora Australis, either choose to relax in the lounge carriage, or settle into your cabin while we travel west from Sydney to Bathurst.

Lunch will be served onboard the train today by the charming hospitality attendants and talented team of chefs. In the afternoon enjoy the live music onboard and test your knowledge in our Bathurst 1000 Trivia. Dinner will be served onboard, and the train will stable in Bathurst overnight, ready for the Repco Bathurst 1000 tomorrow.

Lunch, Dinner

Bathurst

Day 2 Bathurst 1000

Enjoy breakfast onboard before you are transferred to the Mount Panorama Racetrack for day one of Bathurst 1000. Enjoy the race from your reserved grandstand seat. After a thrilling first day at the track coaches will return you to the train where you will once again enjoy a carefully curated dinner onboard.

Note: Guests are required to pay for lunch at the Racetrack.

Breakfast, Dinner

Mount Panorama Racetrack

Day 3 Bathurst 1000

Enjoy breakfast onboard before you are transferred to the Mount Panorama Racetrack for day two of Bathurst 1000. Enjoy the race from your reserved grandstand seat, this time to enjoy the “big race day”. Be on the edge of you seat while this major event takes place and join the celebrations once the winner is finally crowned. Once the dust has settled, you will be transferred to the train where you will enjoy your final dinner onboard.

Note: Guests are required to pay for lunch at the Racetrack.

Breakfast, Dinner

Dining on the train

Day 4 Bathurst Sydney

Enjoy breakfast onboard as you travel from Bathurst back to Sydney. Morning tea will be served onboard before arriving into Sydney Central Station. Your Race ‘n’ Rail Adventure now comes to an end.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Vintage Rail Journeys

Upgrade available

Vintage Rail Journeys offers a unique and exceptional experience – combining the charm and excitement guests love with a new level of relaxation and care. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is thoughtfully handled, allowing you to unwind completely. Enjoy delicious meals, fine wine, and freshly brewed tea and coffee, along with a selection of expertly curated tours. The only decisions you’ll need to make are what to savour and which Off Train Experience to explore.

Whether you’re soaking in the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your private cabin or heading to the lounge and dining carriages to share stories with fellow travellers, every moment is designed for your enjoyment. At night, the train is stabled to ensure you have a peaceful and restful sleep. Each carriage features a dedicated Hospitality Attendant, ready to assist with any needs, answer your questions, or prepare a comforting cup of tea or coffee.

HERITAGE TWIN CABINS

Heritage Twin cabins accommodate 2 guests.
By day, you have a 3-seat lounge
By night, you have upper and lower bunks (one member of your party will need to be able to climb the ladder to the top bunk)
You have your own ensuite, complete with the original fold down hand basin and fold down toilet

Room Upgrades

Heritage Single Cabin

Welcome to all solo travellers on board, with no single supplement for Heritage Single cabins. Each cabin features a comfortable Day Lounge, footrest, fold-down washbasin, and mirror. By night, it transforms into a cosy bed for a restful sleep. Conveniently, spacious shared bathrooms are located at both ends of the Singles carriage for your comfort.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

2025 departure dates:

22 September
05 October
20 October
03 November
17 November

2026 departure dates:

17 August
31 August
14 September
28 September
26 October
09 November
23 November

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is the dress code onboard?

The dress code is smart casual. Formal attire is not required for dinner and comfortable shoes are recommended for off-train excursions.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout your journey on the Aurora Australis.

How much luggage can I bring?

Space is limited. Bring one carry-on bag (48cm h x 34cm w x 23cm) and a garment bag per person. Twin cabins have a luggage nook for two carry-on bags and a closet for 3-4 garments. Single cabins have overhead luggage racks and space for slim or soft bags under the seat.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, the onboard chef can cater to most dietary requirements. Please inform consultants at the time of booking or notify your Guest Attendant upon boarding if there are any changes.

Is smoking allowed on the train?

No, the Aurora Australis is strictly non-smoking, including between carriages and in restrooms. Smoking opportunities at stations will be communicated by the Guest Attendants.

What level of mobility is required?

The tours require moderate physical fitness and good mobility. Heritage trains are not suitable for passengers reliant on wheelchairs or walkers. If booking a Twin cabin, one person must be able to use a ladder for the top bunk. Guests need to board and disembark transportation independently, carry their luggage, walk moderate distances, stand comfortably and climb stairs.

Can I bring a walker or walking stick?

Heritage trains have narrow corridors and heavy connecting doors, making them unsuitable for walkers or wheelchairs. However, walking sticks used for stability are permitted and can be stored in your cabin.

Is there refrigeration for medication?

Yes, refrigeration for medication is available. Please notify your Guest Attendant when you board the train.

Can I leave the train at night?

The train typically stables in sidings rather than stations to ensure safety. Guest Attendants will inform you if there are opportunities to disembark safely at night.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult our consultants at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Vintage Rail Journeys: Bathurst Race'n Rail

Sydney / Sydney

From AUD 5,450

Enquire